Excessive speed has been recognized for decades as both a significant and complex highway safety issue. Using the most recent data available, this paper examines the size of the “speed problem” in the United States and identifies characteristics most often associated with speed-related crashes. Data from the National Accident Sampling System, the Fatal Accident Reporting System, the Crash Avoidance Research Data File, the National Crash Severity Study, and the Indiana Tri-Level Study were utilized in conducting the analysis. Information pertaining to crash avoidance, crash severity, and related characteristics (e. g., alcohol, vehicle type, roadway alignment, etc.) were examined. Of particular interest is the use of an innovative methodology to estimate the economic impact of speed-related crashes on society.